John Travis Gordon

John “T.” Gordon was born the only child to Edith Anderson Gordon and Clyde Gordon in Paris, Texas, on May 7, 1918.

Mr. Gordon professed his belief in Jesus Christ as a young man in Camp Locket, California. For many years, he was a member of Saint Paul Baptist Church in San Angelo where he served in the men’s brotherhood ministry. He remained a faithful member of St. Paul until moving to Austin in 1987 and joining Greater Mt. Zion (GMZ) Baptist Church.

After graduating from high school in Abilene, Texas, he joined the United States Army, and served in the Second Calvary Division, 10th Troop during World War II, which was one of the segregated African American units of the U.S. Army. He participated in Buffalo Soldier’s veterans organizations and enjoyed attending activities and reunions of the 10th Calvary Regiment throughout his life. For the majority of his employment life, he worked for and retired from General Telephone (AKA Verizon) of San Angelo, Texas.

Because he lost his father at an early age, Mr. Gordon became a devoted family man to his mother and later to his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He married the love of his life, Nellye “Jo” Hurt, on August 12, 1950. Their union was blessed with the birth of their only child, Brenda Jo.

Mr. Gordon was known for his smile and genuine love of people. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a kind word for everyone. He also had a stern word to gently remind his family not to “complain, blame, or criticize.” He was a balance of conviction and kindness.

Mr. Gordon is preceded in death by his parents Edith and Clyde, and wife, Jo. He is survived by daughter, Brenda Gordon Salisbery (Austin), grandson Jeffrey Gordon Salisbery and great grandson Ty Hutchens (Austin), granddaughter Jari Lynn Salisbery and great grandson Braylon Jarin Jean (San Antonio). He is also survived and loved by his wife’s family and a host of other family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, July 29th, 2011 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, Pflugerville. Homegoing Services will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, July 30th, 2011 at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1801 Pennsylvania Ave., Austin, Tx. 78702. Interment will follow at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, Pflugerville, Texas.

To share memories of Mr. Gordon with his family, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com